Dueñas to appeal HRET ruling

MANILA, Philippines - The camp of Taguig Congressman Henry Dueñas Jr. said yesterday they will appeal the decision of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) that proclaimed Angelito Reyes as the winner of the 2007 race to represent Taguig’s second district.

Sixto Brillantes, Dueñas’ lawyer, said HRET’s ruling is not yet final. They will reportedly file a motion for reconsideration before the HRET and possibly elevate the case to the Supreme Court if the motion is denied, Brillantes said.

Dueñas said he is still the representative of the city’s 2nd District, and dismissed claims of Reyes that he will assume the post as lies aimed to mislead the public.

“He (Reyes) cannot take the congressional seat of Taguig’s 2nd District because the Lower House is already in recess. And, we’re taking all legal remedies so that the true will of the people of Taguig will prevail,” Dueñas said.

Last Thursday, the HRET issued its promulgation on the results of the electoral protest of Reyes proclaiming him as the winner of the 2007 elections with a lead of only 37 votes.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles clarified that Reyes still cannot assume Taguig’s 2nd District congressional seat because he needs to take an oath before Congress, which is already on recess.

For his part, Reyes asked Dueñas to just respect the HRET decision.

“I am expecting such a reaction from his camp. However, he should just respect the outcome of the process that finally determined the winner for congressman in the 2nd district. Anyway, he still has 10 days to file (a motion) to contest the HRT decision. It is his right to make an appeal,” Reyes said.

He said the camp of Dueñas should refrain from bringing up issues that sow confusion among Taguig residents.   – Rhodina Villanueva